Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 115203M) is a Certificate III delivered by Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~55 weeks). This nationally recognised qualification (CHC33021) prepares you to provide person-centred support to older people, people with disabilities, and others in community settings. With a strong focus on care for the aged, this course equips you with practical skills in personal care, communication, and teamwork. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 02885G), international students receive the full protections of the ESOS Act. Located in Brisbane's vibrant CBD, the program includes 120 hours of work placement to build real-world experience. Whether you aim to become a personal care assistant, support worker, or continue into higher-level qualifications, this course offers a solid foundation in aged care.
Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS course code 115203M) is a Certificate III delivered by Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~55 weeks). This qualification is classified under AQF Level 3 and falls within the field of Society and Culture (0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services, specifically 090507 - Care for the Aged). It is a single qualification (no dual award) and is taught in English. The course is listed on the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, ensuring it meets Australian standards for international students. Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02885G) is a private provider with campuses in Brisbane. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, this course is one of many options for students seeking a career in aged care.
This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to provide individualised support in aged care, disability care, and community settings. Students learn to follow person-centred approaches, assist with personal care activities, support independence, and work effectively in teams. The curriculum typically includes units on communication, infection control, supporting older people, and responding to emergency situations. Graduates are prepared to work under supervision in residential aged care facilities, home care, and community services. The course aligns with the national VET code CHC33021 and focuses on real-world application, including a mandatory work placement component.
The course duration is 1 year 1 month (~55 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. This includes both classroom learning and the work placement component. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — no dual qualification or foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes at the Brisbane CBD campus. The full-time schedule may include a mix of face-to-face lectures, tutorials, and supervised practical sessions. Completing the course within the standard duration requires full-time enrolment and meeting all assessment requirements.
Tuition fees are A$11,800, with non-tuition fees of A$1,200 (including materials, administration, and student services). The estimated total is A$13,000. These fees are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 — always confirm with Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd for current fees. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. For international students in Brisbane, indicative living costs are around A$1,500–$2,500 per month for rent, groceries, transport, and other essentials. OSHC is mandatory and typically costs A$600–$800 per year for single cover. The student visa application fee is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Visit the provider's website (www.ihbrisbane.com.au or www.alscertificates.com) for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
For Certificate III level courses, providers typically require completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent international schooling. English proficiency is recommended at IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). No prior qualification in aged care is needed, but a genuine interest in caring for others is essential. Some providers may require a pre-training assessment or interview. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet academic or English requirements — check with Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd directly. All entry requirements are set by the provider and should be confirmed before applying.
This course includes a work component: 4 weeks of placement at 30 hours per week, totalling approximately 120 hours. This work-integrated learning is an industry placement in aged care or community support settings. It provides hands-on experience under supervision, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real environments. Placements are arranged by the provider and may require a police check, working with children check, and immunisation records. Completing the placement is a mandatory part of the course and helps graduates transition into employment.
The course is delivered at Level G - 3, 116 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD. This location is in Brisbane's central business district, easily accessible by public transport (train, bus, ferry). Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and home to a large international student community, with over 100 CRICOS-registered providers in the city alone. The campus is near Queen Street Mall, restaurants, and accommodation options. Brisbane offers a subtropical climate, affordable living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and growing job opportunities in aged care and community services.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. OSHC must be maintained for the entire visa duration. Also, students must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course with a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The ESOS Act ensures tuition protection and refund policies. For visa application details, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Brisbane is a vibrant, multicultural city with over 100,000 international students. It offers a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne — average weekly rent for a share house is around A$200–$350, groceries A$80–$120, and public transport up to A$50 per week with student discounts. The city has excellent public transport (bus, train, ferry) and a safe, friendly environment. Aged care is a growing sector in Queensland, with high demand for qualified support workers. Studying in Brisbane provides access to Queensland's diverse care settings, from coastal retirement communities to regional facilities. Consider your lifestyle preferences — Brisbane's warm climate and outdoor lifestyle may suit those who enjoy sunshine and nature.
Aged care is a rewarding but demanding field — you'll need empathy, resilience, and physical stamina. Check that the provider's CRICOS registration is current and that the course includes quality work placement. Consider career pathways: this certificate can lead to Diploma of Community Services or nursing. Also, verify English requirements and whether you need to upgrade IELTS. Compare fees and location — Brisbane has several providers offering this course, but only CRICOS-registered ones can enrol international students. Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to explore options. The ESOS Act protects your tuition, so always choose registered providers.
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy or the CRICOS register to find providers offering Certificate III in Individual Support in your preferred location. Filter by course level, field (Society and Culture), and city (Brisbane). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (e.g., Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd, CRICOS 02885G). **Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit the provider's website (www.ihbrisbane.com.au or www.alscertificates.com) to check entry requirements, English test scores, application deadlines, and required documents. Submit your application with certified transcripts, English test results, and passport copy. **Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use it to apply for a student visa online. Prepare for GTE, financial evidence, OSHC, and pay the visa application fee. Consult a registered migration agent if needed.
Ready to start? Find out more about Certificate III in Individual Support at Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd.
Certificate III in Individual Support is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Language Schools Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.